14th Annual Empire Ball Pix

Nearly a thousand real estate professionals and executives crowded the convention floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel Dec. 12 for the 14th annual Empire Ball, which this year raised a whopping $1.2 million for cure-focused Diabetes research.

Beside fundraising for DiabetesResearch.org, a research facility at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine where proceeds are now headed, event organizers honored Trinity Real Estate Chief Executive Jason Pizer with its Leadership Award.

Meanwhile, David Ushery, an anchor from NBC4 New York and host of “The Debrief with David Ushery,” emceed the black tie gala.

David Ushery, Anchor, NBC4

Trinity Real Estate Chief Executive Jason Pizer

John Doscas and son, Christopher, Christie Donaldson, Sheri and Doug Donaldson of the Donaldson Organization, with Jonathan Bennis of Icon Interiors.

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation National Board Member, Bonnie Inserra, with Ted Moudis of Ted Moudis Associates, both members of the Empire Ball Board of Governors.

Bob Donaldson of the Donaldson Organization, with his wife Christie.

Cocktails and dancing in the ballroom

James Migliore of William Macklowe Company, with his wife Gisela and Joseph "Dee" Dussich of Jad Corp. of America with his wife Jennifer.